Vox Pop

This refers to the report Could’ve beaten up PM, but I’d have been called goonda (January 22). West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has crossed all limits while describing her inability to get financial aid for her state from the Centre. How can a chief minister use such language when speaking of the prime minister? This is not the first time that Banerjee has made such a mistake. But it’s high time she tendered a public apology for several comments on various UPA leaders. Such behaviour is unbecoming for a chief minister and it should be condemned by one and all.

Shubham Kumar Choubey, via email

He is the man of the moment

With reference to Sidharth Bhatia’s article A work in progress (January 22), Rahul Gandhi has been formally appointed as the Congress’s vice-president but there’s no guarantee that he will become the PM in 2014. His recent speech in Jaipur seemed genuine and so far it appears that he is serious about bringing about structural changes in the party. Rahul can hope to win the 2014 elections for the Congress if he delivers on his promises. The confusion in the BJP may also help Rahul if he plays his cards right. I remember once, while addressing a rally, Rahul said, “Tell me your view, listen to my view, let’s format our view”. The time has come for him to make this happen.

TK Bhattacharya, Bhopal

II

Bhatia seems overly optimistic about Gandhi’s credentials as a leader. But it’s tough to believe the writer’s views considering the Congress’s debacle in last year’s Uttar Pradesh elections, where Rahul was in charge of the party’s campaign. I believe that at the moment, Rahul doesn’t have enough charisma or experience to lead India’s oldest and perhaps biggest political party.